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Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

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Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:
a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

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Presenter: Carol Roth, Central York School District, Instructional Technology Coach

Elementary Focus

Visual Literacy

Definition - "...the ability to evaluate, apply, or create conceptual visual representations"
Visual Literacy: An E-Learning Tutorial on Visualization for Communication, Engineering and Business.
Retrieved April 7, 2008 from http://www.visual-literacy.org/index.html

http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Bloom%27s+Digital+Taxonomy

Images

Photo Challenge

Copyright-friendly Image Library



Image Stories

Videos

YouTube for Education

Discovery Education

• The Letter "M"

Math Videos
Thinkfinity

• Animal Study Lesson Plan

Internet Quest

Infographics

Word Clouds

52 Interesting Ways
Teacher Resource
There's an APP for That! (any computer, iPad, iPod Touch, or Smart phone)

• Socrative
• Polleverywhere

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Discernment: (Scanning, skimming. or reading for understanding)

• All About Explorers activity

Interactives:

• Application of technology skills to solving problems and think more deeply
  • ABCya! - age group specific, great for interactive whiteboards (IWBs)
  • Project on slavery - lesson plan on slavery with various technology options (can also be done without technology)
  • Thinkfinity (yes, again!) - so many interactives and critical thinking lessons and activities here + collect those you love

Project-Based Learning:

• Planning
  • Checklist from the Buck Institute - do you have all of the parts to make the project you are planning as effective as possible?

• Ideas
  • StoryCorps - interviews that cut across generations and information on how to do it yourself
  • DigitalWish or DonorsChoose - have parents/community members donate money to get supplies you want for the classroom
  • Projects that work - collection of projects to explore (includes student examples)
  • Primary Sources from the Library of Congress

• Rubrics
  • PBL Checklists - create a rubric to grade projects at any grade level

Contact Carol Roth with any questions.